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Desvenlafaxine for ADHD User Reviews

Brand names: Pristiq

Desvenlafaxine has an average rating of 7.1 out of 10 from a total of 7 reviews for the off-label treatment of ADHD. 57% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 14% reported a negative experience.

Desvenlafaxine rating summary

7.1/10 average rating

7 ratings from 9 user reviews.

Compare all 57 medications used in the treatment of ADHD.

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  • CBeesta
  • February 11, 2016

"Wow. Pristiq is AMAZING. I've had severe depression since I was 13/14 and have been on everything under the sun. Nothing has worked as well as Pristiq. The only side effects I have noticed are: 1) Increased happiness 2) Easier to organize thoughts 3) Increased motivation 4) Decreased appetite 5) Lows aren't as low 6) Less irritable I'm currently looking for something to pair with Pristiq to get my ADHD in check. Hopefully I can find something!"

10 / 10
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59 Report
  • Happy
  • December 2, 2010

Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) "I've been taking Pristiq for 6 months now and I can not believe the change. When you notice it yourself you know it's working. I wake up singing and I haven't done that in a very long time! My focus is back and I'm doing my art again. I am so happy."

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57 Report
  • Linda
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • July 16, 2023

"Desvenlafaxine had so many side effects AT FIRST, and I just dealt with them because I have been on so many meds for my condition. I will get to where it helped soon. I got hives that itched really bad all over my body here and there, I got headaches for about a month, I felt disoriented, not hungry which I liked, sleepy, tired, and a few besides that... BUT I stuck it out and my head started feeling not as confused as before. Wow! That was a great feeling! It is seeming to help my bladder (interstitial cystitis - bladder disease) pain some also. What another relief! And I've thought all along that I have ADD this whole time. Doctors say I don't, but Adderall made me feel in my brain like I was a teenager again. My mind was getting better than it has been in years and years. But I couldn't take the side effects of severe anxiety hurting in my neck. That's why I am sticking it out with this medicine. And it is helping several things now so far. I've been on it about 6 weeks now. Just 25mg"

8 / 10
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7 Report

Frequently asked questions

  • Nina
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • May 26, 2022

"45 years old woman. I tried Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq) for only one month but I had to stop. VERY hard to leave the couch for the last 20 days. Every ADHD symptom got worse. No motivation, even for the simplest tasks. I remember waking up (for seconds) several times during the night. Severe constipation, social isolation, loss of empathy. I can't list any benefits. Symptoms of withdrawal (week 2 and counting): SEVERE dizziness (complete loss of balance) when moving my head too fast. Mild nausea."

1 / 10
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13 Report
  • Claud...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • November 7, 2022

"I have been taking this medication for combination ADHD as well as depression and it has improved my mood and focus when taken regularly. If I have alcohol, the medication doesn't have much effect or almost the opposite. I have been taking this for mild depression for 3 years and have had great results but also still have feelings, unlike other medications that made me feel numb. This is great for helping me work through times when I am unmotivated, though I do still struggle from time to time it has helped tremendously."

8 / 10
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10 Report

Are you taking this medicine?

  • Naple...
  • November 25, 2009

Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) "I have been taking 100mg every morning for 9 months,with Trileptal 450mg at night and Adderal in am and after lunch. I was so scattered and depressed last January 09 due to a lot of life changes but really all my life I have sabotaged myself living without treatment. These medicines saved my life and I will continue on them as long as they work. Pritiq is good for me. I mistakenly got my dose mixed up when I first started Pristiq and took 200mg. Never felt better but soon found out that it was dangerous and max is 100mg. Whew...must be careful. Life is good today and it can be for you too. I also use the Pristiq discount card and pay half price...really helps."

7 / 10
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40 Report
  • sadbu...
  • May 7, 2009

Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) "What a great antidepressant - No side effects and I actually feel happy. My mood swings have improved and I feel calm and happy inside. Things that used to irritate me, don't anymore. I can tell I have less of an appetite and more energy. I am on 1 x 50 mg a day. If you have had bad luck with side effects and antidepressants, you need to try this. I applaud Pristiq. I've been on it for ten days and am very impressed. I still get anxiety, maybe I'll have to take something else as well. It seems about 50% of people on Pristiq are doing really well (from all the boards I've browsed). "

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39 Report
  • Its...
  • April 2, 2018

"I started this medication in Dec of 2017 for anxiety, depression, and ADHD. After a couple of weeks I noticed a huge difference in my mood. It helped me think positive and feel great about myself with no side affects. After a few months however I am back to the same old me...I went from 50 to 100 mg. I guess my body got used to the dosage :/ Oh well. It was nice while it lasted."

7 / 10
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17 Report
  • provo...
  • December 14, 2009

Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) "Was given a prescription to Pristiq to help with ADHD in addition to Xanax for anxiety. The first day I noticed an improved mood, but initially thought it was the Xanax. After taking Pristiq first thing in the morning and holding off on the Xanax, I noticed a significant improvement in mood over no medication, and a slight improvement over taking both Pristiq and Xanax. Between the two of them, they seem to keep my anxiety and focus in a healthy range. The only side effect I've noticed is slight jaw fatigue from clenching. Pretty minor though, and something I have no problem dealing with."

9 / 10
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22 Report

Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or to remove inappropriate language and content. Reviews that appear to be created by parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any particular medication. While these reviews may be helpful, they are not a substitute for the expertise, knowledge, and judgement of healthcare professionals.